A decent weather forecast for the 'wild west' for a change, but a major contrast in the strength of the sides. Ospreys are less than 2nd string, as end of season 'fatigue' and a Wales training camp take precedence. Connacht are at full strength for this game. The O's fielded essentially the same side on Tuesday night, going down to a tired Dragons outfit, despite producing some nice touches. It is a big ask to come back three days later and do it all again, especially having to travel to Galway. Connacht have only pride to play for, but their home record is ok and they'll be keen to make amends for the disaster that was the Cardiff game. Ospreys haven't won on the road yet this year, and it isn't likely that they'll break their duck here.
Recommended Bet
Connacht -6 @ 1.91 with
Bluesq
Leinster wrapped up the title last week by beating the same opposition at home, while Dragons only interest in the league was concluded on Tuesday when they beat the Ospreys to seal a place in next years Heineken Cup. 3 games in 6 days will take its toll on any squad, especially one with the lack of depth of the Dragons. With little to play for and poor form this season, their difficulties are compounded by several injury worries resulting in two either/or selections on the team and bench. Leinster use their squad depth bringing in 10 players from last weeks side, and 11 from their arguably first choice run-on side. However, there is still plenty of quality there and they won't want to sign off on their season with an anti-climax.
Recommended Bet
Leinster -5 @ 1.91 with
Stan James
Last week saw contrasting performances - Ulster were the better side in many respects but gifted soft scores to Glasgow, losing by 9 points, while Cardiff soaked up Connacht pressure and were clinical with their chances in taking a 5 point haul while they were theoretically still in contention for the league. That chance is now gone as Leinster took the title last week and I'm sure that the Cardiff boys are looking forward to putting their feet up for the off-season. With a Wales training camp stripping them of a bunch of players, there is a very unfamiliar look about the side, although there are still quality players there in the likes of Nicky Robinson, Xavier Rush etc. Ulster field a fairly strong lineup, and it will be an emotional moment for Ulster legend David Humphreys who plays his last game of rugby tomorrow. With several other players departing after this game, the Ulster crowd will be as boisterous as ever and the team is sure to want to both make amends for last week and put on a good show. I can't see Cardiff being that bothered, and Ulster should win with a bit to spare.
Recommended Bet
Ulster -7 @ 1.91 with
Bet365
Rugby Union: Guiness & Magners
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